Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, J.S. Bach... There are hundreds or else thousands of composers of classical music throughout time. In fact, classical music can be used as a timeline to determine the various events and signage that happened during a certain era. Researches have also shown that classical music has many positive effects on the human mind and body. Foetuses who listen to Mozart are alleged to be smarter than those who did not. Classical music soothes the mind and soul, develops the brain. Besides, classical musicians are a class of people who are highly disciplined. To play a piece of classical music, one has to endure rigorous practice and concentration. Otherwise, the music simply wouldn't work.
However, in this century-the 21st Century or the Nuclear century-whatever they call it, classical music is dying off.Slowly and gradually, that is. Pop music, hip hop, rock...etc have clearly taken over the place of classical music. Do you see many teens these days do classical music anymore? Even if there are but a few, they take up classical music only for its benefits. Only a few really know how to appreciate and enjoy classical music. In shopping malls, discos, pubs, they never play classical music as a background. The only place I know of that play classical music is the bookstore.
People usually link classical music with classiness, elegance and a richness in character and interest. They commonly have the perception that classical music is reserved for the rich and upper class elites in society, where royalty and ministers dance in glamorous gowns to lovely classical music. We have to face the fact that classical music is no more a street-style music. It is no more casual.No more for common appreciation, not because people these days do not have the opportunity to do so, but because they simply do not want to sit in an orchestra hall, falling asleep!
Another point to notice is the efforts of classical musicians are deteriorating. We are seeing fewer and fewer composers who compose classical music these days. The few who succeed in composing classical music and selling them to the public still face a problem: Classical music can't make it to the top on the music billboard, in the U.S. or otherwise. The Generation Y today would rather pick out a Britney Spears CD rather than one by Lang Lang.
Based on what I see and hear today, I really do feel that classical music is dead. However, the effort to relive classical music must never end as classical music is what defines our inner souls and had played a big part in the building and development of nations. Classical music is a legacy left by our forefathers who built and made the base for today's society.
Now...I really want to get that Jonas Brothers newest album!